3D map of dark matter confirms theories

Stephen Withers
Monday, 08 January 2007 04:25

Science - Space

Scientists have created the first 3D map showing the distribution of dark matter in a portion of the universe. The European Space Agency describes the project as a historic achievement that accurately confirms standard theories of structure formation.

The map was derived from the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS), which used the Hubble Space Telescope to examine an area of sky equivalent to nine times that of the full moon. 'Depth' information was derived from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the Japanese Subaru telescope, and the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope.

According to an ESA statement, "The map provides the best evidence yet that normal matter, largely in the form of galaxies, accumulates along the densest concentrations of dark matter."

The most distant observations reflect the situation halfway back to the beginning of the universe, and the map shows how dark matter becomes increasingly clumpy over time as gravity draws it together.

"It’s reassuring how well our map confirms the standard theories for structure formation," said CalTech's Richard Massey, senior author of the report describing the project. "Now that we have begun to map out where dark matter is, the next challenge is to determine what it is, and specifically its relationship to normal matter."